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    Home » Recipes » Grilling

    Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

    Published: Jun 16, 2022 · Modified: Jun 2, 2023 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 1026 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe
    Pineapple shrimp skewers recipe.
    Pineapple shrimp skewers recipe.
    Pineapple shrimp skewers recipe.

    Pineapple shrimp skewers are the perfect summer grilling recipe - they're light, citrusy, and easy to assemble! Cubed fresh pineapple and shrimp are coated in a honey balsamic dressing and grilled to perfection.

    White serving plate filled with pineapple shrimp skewers.

    Summer grilling season is here, and you're looking for fresh summer flavor. Enter - pineapple shrimp skewers. These shrimp skewers are light and citrusy, with the perfect blend of salty & sweet.

    Shrimp skewers are especially great for novice grillers because they cook quickly and are easy to manage on the grill.

    Peeled shrimp, fresh pineapple, and red onion are assembled on skewers and brushed with a simple honey balsamic dressing. After a few minutes on the grill, your perfectly cooked shrimp are ready to serve!

    Enjoy pineapple shrimp skewers for a light summer meal, or as a side dish to your main course. Perfect for backyard summer grilling or the yearly Fourth of July party.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients on a counter top.
    • Shrimp - I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Smaller shrimp may be harder to skewer. Optionally, the tails can be removed before grilling if desired.
    • Red onion - Optional, but adds flavor and color to your skewers. Can be substituted with sweet onion or white onion.
    • Pineapple - You'll need half of a cored pineapple, or about two cups. Frozen pineapple will work if it has been thawed beforehand.
    • Honey - Can be substituted with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
    • Balsamic vinegar - Can be substituted with red wine vinegar, but will have a more acidic flavor. Balsamic vinegar is more mellow and sweet.
    • Oil - I recommend using an oil with a high smoke point, since our shrimp is going on the grill. Vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil are great choices.
    • Seasoning - Salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes enhance the flavor of your dressing and balance the sweetness of the honey and balsamic vinegar.

    Skewers for grilling

    Any skewers you have on hand for grilling will work for this recipe. Our favorite choices:

    Wood or bamboo skewers - Inexpensive and easy to find at your local grocer. Plus, they're disposable, which is perfect for camping. Remember to soak your wood skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before adding your shrimp (this helps prevent burning while on the grill).

    Flat metal skewers - Sturdy, lightweight, and reusable. Also prevents your food from rotating as you flip your skewers.

    Avoid skewers with plastic pieces (not grill-safe), curved skewers (can't cook every side evenly), or thin double-prong skewers (they're prone to bending and require larger pieces of food to skewer properly).

    Assembling and grilling pineapple shrimp skewers.

    How long does shrimp take to grill?

    Shrimp will take about 5 to 7 minutes to cook through over direct heat on a medium-high grill (between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit). This will depend on the size and shape of your shrimp, as well as the heat of your grill.

    Cook your shrimp until they are are pink on the outside and white on the inside. Since time can vary greatly based on your individual conditions, the most reliable method is to simply watch your food.

    Flipping your skewers

    Flip your skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even grilling on both sides. Your shrimp are ready to flip when the underside has turned bright pink around the edges.

    Close up of grilled pineapple, onion, and shrimp on a metal skewer.

    Make ahead & prep

    Need to prep your skewers a few hours ahead of time? Thread your shrimp, pineapple, and onion onto your choice of skewers. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill.

    In a small bowl, add your dressing ingredients. Whisk to combine, cover, and refrigerate until ready to grill.

    Your shrimp should not sit in the dressing for more than 15 to 20 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will break down the delicate flesh of your raw shrimp, giving it a mushy texture. I highly recommend brushing on the dressing just before grilling.

    What to serve with grilled shrimp

    Pineapple shrimp skewers make the perfect main course alongside a salad (like this strawberry spinach salad), cooked white rice, or grilled vegetable skewers.

    Or, serve pineapple shrimp skewers as a side dish or appetizer for your main course, like a pan-seared ribeye or grilled lemon pepper chicken.

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    📖 Recipe

    Close up of grilled pineapple, onion, and shrimp on a metal skewer.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 reviews

    Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

    Pineapple shrimp skewers are the perfect summer grilling recipe - they're light, citrusy, and easy to assemble! Cubed fresh pineapple and shrimp are coated in a honey balsamic dressing and grilled to perfection.
    Prep Time10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time7 minutes minutes
    Total Time17 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 skewers
    Calories: 146kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 cups cubed pineapple
    • 1 small red onion, thick sliced

    Honey balsamic dressing

    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

    Instructions

    • Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If needed, clean grill grates. If using wood skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling skewers.
    • Carefully thread shrimp, pineapple, and onion onto skewers and set aside.
    • In a small bowl, add dressing ingredients: oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine. Brush dressing over skewers just before grilling (the acidic dressing will break down the delicate flesh of your raw shrimp if it sits for more than 15-20 minutes).
    • Wipe grill grates lightly with oil, then place skewers perpendicular across the grill grate. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or until shrimp have turned bright pink on the outside and meat is white on the inside.
    • Rely less on time and more on the look and feel of your shrimp to determine when they're done cooking. Grill temperatures and conditions can vary greatly.

    Equipment Recommendations

    • Silicone Basting Brush
    • Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups
    • Flat Metal Skewers for Grilling
    • 18 inch Grilling Tongs

    Notes

    • Use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning on the grill. Vegetable oil, peanut oil, and avocado oil are great choices.
    • Cut pineapple and onions to about the same thickness as your shrimp to ensure each ingredient makes contact with the grill grates.
    • 2 cups of cubed pineapple = about ½ of a cored pineapple
    • Leftover shrimp will keep for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Serving: 1skewer | Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 626mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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